WINSTED, MN  Thinking spring? A Winsted Hardware store inventory clearance sale will take place at Main Avenue in Winsted, just in time to make some of those spring home and garden projects more affordable.

All of the hardware store inventory was recently sold by previous owners Greg Gehrman and Katy Born. The buyer, A Great Sale, next to Runnings at the Hutchinson Mall, is planning the clearance sale to run for three consecutive weekends beginning Friday, March 25.

Merchandise will be displayed in the store and patio behind the store from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, each weekend.

“This will be a fun sale,” Gehrman said. “We will have the back building and patio, under a circus tent, open rain or shine. Popcorn and refreshments will be provided.”

In addition to the inventory already in Winsted, A Great Sale will be bringing in brand name, overstock, closeout, and return merchandise to sell, as well. After the sale, the remaining inventory will be moved to Hutchinson.

Since the Winsted store closed early last year, it left many spring and summer items in stock, from garden hose and fittings to camping supplies, weed killer, and grilling supplies, according to Gehrman.

Hardware store equipment will also be sold including a pipe threader, glass cutting equipment, and chain saw sharpener.

A year ago, the store was full of inventory when Gehrman and Born closed its doors. It was their hope a Winsted resident would purchase the inventory and open a new store.

“Winsted is still a very strong market for hardware, especially in the area of commercial supplies and fasteners,” Gehrman said. “Customers were loyal and supportive. However, the store just wasn’t big enough to do the volume required to maintain itself. Closing the store and freeing Winsted from any competition may be what it takes for someone to really invest and build what it takes to have a full-service store in town.”

Gehrman and Born will continue to own the building on Main Avenue. They will be preparing the space to be leased.

“I will be sanding the maple floors and with new tin ceilings and stained glass chandeliers, it has a good look to it,” Gehrman said. “If I get it rented, I would give the front of the building a facelift, too.”

Gehrman and Born said they have no regrets for the four years they have invested in their hardware venture, as well as the new direction it has taken their lives by way of friendships and contacts made.